Get ready for a football event like no other! The Elite Players Group (EPG) is launching a new football tournament featuring legendary former players from World Cup-winning nations.
The EPG Cup
The EPG Cup, as it is being called, will kick off this summer, boasting a total of seven matches. The participating nations are a who's who of footballing giants, including France, England, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay. The matches will take place in an English stadium, yet to be announced.
Format and Rules
The matches will be a quick, action-packed 70 minutes long. Teams will comprise of 11 players on the pitch with a squad size of 18 in total. The twist? Unlimited substitutions, allowing for dynamic tactics and maximum utilization of the abundant talent on display.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Prepare to see some familiar faces grace the pitch once more, as the tournament is set to feature retired players, not necessarily World Cup winners, but certainly legends from their countries. Among the attendees, expect to see the likes of Thierry Henry, Marcel Desailly, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos.
The English contingent will also be strong, with invitations extended to Michael Owen, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David James, Frank Lampard, and Robbie Fowler.
The Captains
Leading the teams will be several of the game's most respected figures. For France, Christian Karembeu, one of the project's founding members, will don the captain's armband. Italy will be under the stewardship of Marco Materazzi, while Esteban Cambiasso will lead Argentina, and Diego Lugano will captain Uruguay.
Other team captains include Emerson for Brazil, Michel Salgado for Spain, Kevin Kuranyi for Germany, and Steve McManaman for England.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for June 11th, when the grand final of the EPG Cup will take place, just three days before the Euro final in Germany. This summer looks set to be a thrilling season for football lovers worldwide.